How a Would-Be Baker Became the Queen of Veterinary Behavior

In the heart of San Francisco, pet owners facing the mysterious—and sometimes frustrating—behavioral quirks of their furry companions have a true ally: Dr. Wailani Sung. As the founder of Bay Area Vet Behavior, she’s not just solving problems—she’s reshaping how we understand the emotional lives of animals.

And her journey? It’s just as remarkable as the lives she’s changing.

A Dual Degree Powerhouse

Dr. Sung’s path began at the University of Georgia, where she earned both a Master’s and PhD in Psychology, diving deep into the complexities of animal behavior. But she didn’t stop there. Fueled by a passion to turn knowledge into action, she went on to earn her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine—making her one of the few professionals equally trained in both the science of the mind and the art of animal care.

From Shelter Floors to Global Impact

As the former Director of Behavior and Welfare Programs at the San Francisco SPCA, Dr. Sung helped transform the approach to shelter animal behavior—combining research-backed strategies with compassion and practical support. Her programs created real change: fewer returns, happier adoptions, and better outcomes for pets often considered "difficult."

Now, at Bay Area Vet Behavior, Dr. Sung brings this same thoughtful approach to private clients. Through personalized behavior plans, detailed consultations, and science-driven strategies, she gives pet parents the tools to reconnect with their animals—and rediscover the bond they may have feared was lost.

Beyond the Exam Room

Dr. Sung isn’t just a clinician—she’s also an educator, author, and speaker who inspires colleagues across the veterinary profession. Whether she’s debunking behavior myths on stage or mentoring young veterinarians, she leads with empathy, clarity, and a deep belief in the power of the human-animal bond.

Despite her accolades, Dr. Sung remains grounded. From her early days working in a garment factory to becoming a nationally recognized leader in veterinary behavioral medicine, her story is one of perseverance, humility, and unstoppable curiosity.

“My mission is simple,” she says. “Improve the behavioral care provided to pets. Strengthen the human-animal bond.

And it’s a mission that’s already touched thousands.

Five Fascinating Facts About Dr. Wailani Sung

  1. Dream job if not a vet? Baker! She’d trade scrubs for a stand mixer in a heartbeat.

  2. Toughest career decision? Vet school vs. becoming an animal behaviorist at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

  3. Books that shaped her: Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves, and Managing Transitions by William & Susan Bridges.

  4. Biggest wish for the world: Fewer unwanted pets—and more understanding between humans and animals.

  5. Her role model: Dr. Katherine Houpt, her mentor and a legend in veterinary behavioral medicine.

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